Caulfield Cup fall results in horse death and jockey hospitalizations

A mid-race fall during the 2026 Caulfield Cup resulted in the death of the Australasian Oaks winner, Ohope Wins, who was humanely euthanized by veterinarians following the incident. The fall occurred approximately 300 meters from the finish line when the horse Half Yours, ridden by Mark Zahra, clipped heels and went down, causing Jye McNeil and Ohope Wins to crash over the top.

Both jockeys, Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil, were treated at Alfred Hospital but have since been released. The Victorian Jockeys Association confirmed that both riders escaped serious injury, though they were described as shaken. Zahra was discharged on Saturday evening, while McNeil was cleared on Sunday morning.

The horse Half Yours, trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, sustained lacerations requiring stitches but is recovering at the Flemington stables. However, trainer Tony McEvoy indicated that the horse's racing campaign, including a potential Melbourne Cup defense, is likely over.

Racing Victoria stewards have opened an inquiry into the circumstances of the fall and the preceding interference involving other riders. The inquiry is expected to reconvene once the involved jockeys are deemed medically and psychologically fit to provide evidence.